LEWES, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) marked Earth Day on Tuesday by announcing legislation to bring national recognition to the American Discovery Trail – the nation’s only coast-to-coast, non-motorized recreational trail. The National Discovery Trails Act of 2014 would make the American Discovery Trail part of the National Trails System, bringing greater visibility to the trail and boosting tourism in local communities across 15 states and the District of Columbia. The official designation would also allow non-governmental organizations to post signs directing hikers and bikers navigating the trail.
“The American Discovery Trail connects trails in state parks and federal lands with county roads in rural areas and sidewalks in towns and communities from coast to coast,” Senator Coons said. “I am a strong believer in the value of trails and what they represent: recreation for families, friends, and individuals, tourism and economic development for local parks and towns, and the opportunity to connect communities with the outdoors. Bringing national recognition to the American Discovery Trail will give more Americans the opportunity to enjoy this unique network of trails, beginning right here in Cape Henlopen State Park.”
The 1968 National Trails System Act created a framework for a national network of connected scenic, historic, and recreational trails. Today, the National Trails System includes eight National Scenic Trails, 15 National Historic Trails, and more than 1000 National Recreational Trails, but no trail linking the network from coast to coast. The National Discovery Trails Act of 2014 would create a new category within the National Trails System for long-distance trails that connect urban areas with outdoor resources, public lands, rural areas, and other communities. The bill would designate the American Discovery Trail the first of this new category of “Discovery Trails.”
“Thanks to Senator Coons, guess where the American Discovery Trail – the first of the new National Discovery Trails system – will begin?” DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara asked. “Right here at Cape Henlopen State Park – at the bunker overlook. The American Discovery Trail, which will run from there to the Point Reyes National Seashore in California, makes trail history here in Delaware. Senator Coons has bolstered – in a big way – our efforts to recognize and utilize all of our special trails in Delaware. This will help Delawareans and visitors alike to enjoy the First State’s great outdoors.”
The American Discovery Trail is made up of more than 6,800 miles of continuous, multi-use pathways stretching from Delaware’s Cape Henlopen State Park to Pt. Reyes National Seashore, California. The trail splits into northern and southern routes at Cincinnati, Ohio, rejoining at Denver, Colorado.